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Returning Yousuf becomes No. 1 Test batsman

Mohammad Yousuf's comeback has become sweeter still as he becomes the world's leading Test batsman

Cricinfo staff
08-Jul-2009
Mohammad Yousuf leads the rankings for the first time in his career  •  Associated Press

Mohammad Yousuf leads the rankings for the first time in his career  •  Associated Press

Mohammad Yousuf made a seamless return to international cricket this week with a polished century in Galle, and his comeback has become sweeter still by reaching the top of the ICC Test rankings. This is the first time he has been officially ranked the leading Test batsman.
Yousuf, who hadn't represented Pakistan for nearly a year after signing up with the unsanctioned ICL, pushes his captain, Younis Khan, to second spot. Another player sliding in the rankings is Sri Lankan captain, Kumar Sangakkara, who slips two places to fifth. Mahela Jayawardene, at No.6, is the only other batsman from either side to feature in the top 20.
In the bowling charts, injured Sri Lankan offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan's lead over Dale Steyn at the top of the ranking was cut to two points.
And in the women's one-day bowling rankings, England left-arm spinner Holly Colvin jumps into the lead after taking seven wickets in the 4-0 rout of Australia. She takes over as No. 1 from India's fast bowler Jhulan Goswami. England, the world champions, now have five bowlers in the top ten.